BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
Biodiversity, a term popularized by sociobiologist Edward Wilson, refers to the immense variety and variability of life on Earth. This diversity exists at multiple levels of biological organization, from macromolecules within cells to entire biomes.
Biodiversity is commonly categorized into three main types:
|
Level |
Definition |
Example |
|
Genetic Diversity |
Variation in genes within a particular species. |
The medicinal plant Rauwolfia vomitoria, found in different Himalayan ranges, shows genetic variation in the potency and concentration of the active chemical (reserpine) it produces. India boasts over 50,000 genetically different strains of rice and 1,000 varieties of mango. |
|
Species Diversity |
Diversity among species within a region. |
The Western Ghats in India have a higher diversity of amphibian species compared to the Eastern Ghats. |
|
Ecological Diversity |
Diversity at the ecosystem level. |
India has a wide range of ecosystems, including deserts, rainforests, mangroves, coral reefs, wetlands, estuaries, and alpine meadows. This variety is greater than that of a more ecologically uniform country like Norway. |
Biodiversity is the result of millions of years of evolutionary processes, leading to the rich variety of life forms and ecosystems we see today. However, this diversity is under threat. The current rates of species loss could result in the significant depletion of biodiversity within the next two centuries.
The loss of biodiversity has become a critical environmental issue globally. The importance of biodiversity for human survival and well-being is increasingly recognized. Biodiversity provides numerous essential services, such as:
1.Ecosystem Services: Purification of air and water, pollination of plants, regulation of climate, and nutrient cycling.